Sport Is Life
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Sport Is Life episodes

  • #57 - How My U13s Football Coach Helped Me Find My Voice and Build Confidence

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins reflects on the life lessons he's learned through sports, particularly from an influential coach, Frank Haffey. As a shy child, Ian faced challenges finding his voice on the field but was encouraged by Frank, a former Scottish goalkeeper, who taught him the importance of communication, confidence, and self-belief. Ian shares how Frank’s close mentorship pushed him out of his comfort zone, shaping his ability to motivate and lead, both in sports and beyond. 

    Ian emphasizes the transformative power of sport as a training ground for personal growth, resilience, and learning to overcome challenges. He recounts how his coach’s belief in him inspired not just his football journey but also his approach to life, coaching, and mentoring others. Ian encourages listeners to look for opportunities to build confidence in others, especially the younger generation, by offering support, guidance, and understanding. 


    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    15 min
  • #56 - Why Your Anxiety Spikes at Year-End: Understanding and Managing the Stress of the Season

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    Do you find yourself reaching the end of the year feeling like you haven’t done enough? Struggling with anxiety, exhaustion, and a sense of falling short? In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins explores the deeper patterns that drive these feelings and explains how societal and generational programming contribute to our constant push for achievement. 

    Ian discusses the two main drivers of year-end anxiety—feeling like you haven’t done enough and questioning your worth—and how these stem from subconscious patterns developed in childhood. He sheds light on how these feelings play out across work, relationships, and personal growth, often leading to burnout, avoidance, or frustration. 

    More importantly, Ian shares actionable strategies to break free from this cycle and build resilience. Learn how to: 

    • Recognise and manage burnout. 
    • Prepare for high-pressure situations without succumbing to anxiety. 
    • Create a plan for 2025 that aligns with your values and capacity. 

    Don’t wait for the new year to start fresh—set yourself up for success now. 


    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    14 min
  • #55 - The Side Effects Of Endless Sport

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    In this episode of Sport Is Life, Ian Hawkins dives into the hidden side effects of the endless sports cycle and how it can impact every aspect of your life. With the lines between seasons increasingly blurred and sports dominating the news year-round, it's easy to overindulge—whether you're a player, coach, fan, or even just someone who loves the analytics. But at what cost? 


    Ian shares his personal journey from burnout to balance, offering insights on how to enjoy sport without letting it take over. He explores how constant consumption can distract from critical areas like health, relationships, and career fulfillment. Ian also sheds light on the ethical concerns surrounding sports gambling and the importance of finding balance in all aspects of life. 


    Through honest self-reflection and practical tools like life-priority mapping, Ian encourages listeners to reassess their relationship with sport. By getting your “backyard in order,” you can continue to enjoy sport while maintaining a healthy, fulfilling life—and ultimately contribute to a larger positive impact on the world. 


    Tune in to find out how to regain balance and make sport a force for good in your life. 


    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    12 min
  • #54 - Setbacks to Success: Lessons on PTSD, Teamwork, and Building Momentum in Sport and Life with Craig McCormack

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    In this episode, Ian Hawkins sits down with Craig McCormack to discuss the importance of ownership, resilience, and growth in both sport and life. Craig emphasizes the value of taking responsibility for mistakes and moving forward without dwelling on setbacks. Whether in tactical training, football, or everyday life, the key to progress is learning from failures and staying committed to improvement. 


    They explore how true professionals handle adversity, focusing on solutions and self-accountability rather than seeking external validation. Craig shares insights from his extensive experience in law enforcement, compliance, and sports training, offering valuable lessons for listeners at any stage of life. 


    A great conversation on leadership, perseverance, and the mindset needed to succeed in any field. Stay tuned until the end for details on how to connect with Craig for training opportunities across the North Coast and beyond. 


    About the Guest: 

    Craig McCormack 

    Craig McCormack has over 21 years of experience in law enforcement, specializing in critical incident management, tactical training, and self-defense. He served as a senior instructor with NSW Corrective Services and later as an environmental compliance officer, handling complex investigations and covert operations. Known for developing realistic scenario-based training, Craig has trained recruits to advanced operators. 


    He is a certified Level 2 Sports Trainer, Gym Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Strength & Conditioning Coach. Craig has worked with the NRL Medical Team, Parramatta DRL Junior Reps, and NSWRL RISE program. 


    Craig also leads MOVE365 + Self Defense, promoting year-round fitness and offering training in resilience, first aid, fitness, sports training, government investigation, and WHS. A dedicated community volunteer, he supports Marine Rescue NSW, Disaster Relief Australia, and has twice completed the Youth Off The Streets Sydney to Surfers charity ride. 


    Link/s:  

    https://www.acfec.edu.au 

    https://www.afsgroup.net.au 

     

    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching 

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    1 hr 8 min
  • #53 - Discovering Solutions That Have Always Been There

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    In this episode, Ian Hawkins reveals how shifting your focus can uncover solutions hidden in plain sight, especially when you feel like you've tried everything. He emphasizes that clarity, not effort, is often the missing piece when facing persistent challenges. 


    • Learn how to reframe your problems by focusing on the outcomes you want rather than the obstacles in your way. 
    • Ian shares real-life examples of how gaining clarity helped him and his son find unexpected solutions, from health breakthroughs to local resources they never knew existed. 
    • Discover practical strategies like visualizing success, setting clear intentions, and staying open to new possibilities that can transform seemingly unsolvable issues into opportunities for growth. 


    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


     Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    16 min
  • #52 - Burnout and Its Impact on Your Body: How to Recognise, Recover, and Reclaim Your Health

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    In this episode, Ian Hawkins explores the true impact of burnout and why working harder isn’t always the solution when you feel stuck. He highlights the critical need to step back and recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

    • Learn how to recognize when pushing through becomes counterproductive and how taking a step back can help you reset and regain clarity. 
    • Ian shares practical strategies for recharging, including detoxing from distractions, journaling, and meditation. He also discusses the importance of organizing your thoughts and focusing on one task at a time to rebuild momentum. 
    • Discover how rest and reflection can accelerate your recovery, allowing you to move forward with renewed energy and purpose. 


    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    15 min
  • #51 - When “Just Work Harder” is the Worst Possible Advice

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    In this episode, Ian Hawkins delves into the concept of burnout and why working harder isn't always the solution when you're feeling stuck. He emphasises the importance of stepping back and taking time to recharge physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

    • Learn when pushing through isn’t productive and how stepping away can help you reset and regain clarity. 
    • Discover practical strategies for recharging, including detoxing from distractions, journaling, and meditation. 
    • Understand the value of organising your thoughts and focusing on one task at a time to regain momentum and move past burnout. 
    • Realise how rest and reflection can be the key to accelerating your recovery and moving forward with renewed energy. 


    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    12 min
  • #50 - Cam Smith on Why a Good Caddy (or Coach) Is the Secret to Better Strategy and Results

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    Ian Hawkins shares insights on the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and guide you to improve, drawing parallels between a golfer’s relationship with their caddy and personal growth in all areas of life. 

    • Learn how successful people rely on others' expertise to reach new heights. 
    • Discover the value of finding mentors and team members who complement your strengths and fill your knowledge gaps. 
    • Understand how building a supportive, aligned team can accelerate personal and professional growth. 

     

    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 


     

    8 min
  • #49 - Mastering the Ring: Embracing Fear, Commitment, and the Journey to Self-Discovery with Matthew Dempsey

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 


    In this episode, Ian Hawkins welcomes Matthew Dempsey, a fitness coach who overcame significant health challenges to build a business focused on custom health and fitness programs. Beyond physical fitness, Matthew emphasizes the mental aspect of transformation, sharing insights on breaking old patterns and embracing change. 

    • Learn how to stop tolerating poor physical health and build the mental strength to make lasting changes. 
    • Discover the power of being open to new ways of thinking and how it can lead to breakthrough solutions. 
    • Gain practical tips on treating life as a journey of discovery and committing to personal growth. 

    Join Ian and Matthew for an inspiring conversation about physical and mental resilience, and take away actionable insights to add to your game plan. 


    About the Guest: 


    Matthew Dempsey 

    Matthew Dempsey is a dedicated health and fitness coach with over a decade of experience helping clients achieve their personal wellness goals. Despite overcoming the challenge of genetic scoliosis in his youth, Matthew turned his adversity into a powerful motivator, inspiring others to push past their limitations. He specialises in creating personalised fitness programs that blend traditional methods with innovative techniques to deliver lasting results. Known for his results-driven approach and commitment to continuous self-improvement, Matthew empowers clients to build strength, overcome challenges, and enhance their overall well-being. Whether you're striving to break through physical barriers or elevate your fitness journey, Matthew is here to guide you every step of the way. 


    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 


     

    1 hr 6 min
  • #48 - Building Sustainable Success: Strategies for Long-Term Achievement

    If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement 

    Episode Summary: 

    Ian discusses the challenge of maintaining momentum after initial success and how to avoid getting stuck in repetitive cycles. He emphasises the importance of breaking goals into smaller, manageable tasks to create lasting success. 

    • Learn how to identify and break patterns that lead to false starts. 
    • Discover strategies for creating sustained momentum by focusing on small steps. 
    • Understand the value of commitment and taking consistent action to achieve long-term goals. 

     

    About the Host:  

    Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.  


    Check Me Out On:  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching  

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins   


    Theme Music Artist: 

    One Day Kings  https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/ 

    See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information. 

    17 min

About Sport Is Life

From the publisher's feed

The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.